Principal Research Scientist (RF Designer/Architect)

Job Title

Principal Research Scientist (RF Designer/Architect)

Role Summary

Lead technical efforts in Qorvo's Advanced Research Group to design mixed-signal integrated assemblies for RF command, control, communications and interface electronics. Work with systems, electrical and mechanical engineers, marketing and product teams to define requirements, architect circuits and produce hardware demonstrators for next-generation RF systems.

Report to the Director of Systems Engineering and provide technical leadership across cross-functional and cross-site teams to deliver validated prototypes and production-ready designs.

Experience Level

Senior. Requires 12+ years of relevant experience in infrastructure, military, communications or RF industries.

Responsibilities

Design, verify and deliver mixed-signal RF assemblies from specification through prototype and test.

• Define technical requirements and specifications for integrated RF assemblies and subsystems.
• Architect RF/analog/digital circuitry and allocate subsystem partitioning to meet performance and environmental constraints.
• Perform linear, non-linear and time-domain simulations (SPICE) and analyze trade-offs, risks and verification approaches.
• Design and verify amplifiers, filters, ADC/DAC front-ends, multiplexers, interface electronics and power management.
• Develop temperature compensation, dynamic range and spectral compliance strategies for transmit/receive chains.
• Oversee schematic capture, BOM generation, PCB layout, fabrication, assembly and test plans.
• Build hardware demonstrators and provide hands-on bench support, including soldering and circuit modification.
• Collaborate with test engineering to develop automated test strategies and produce test reports and documentation.
• Provide technical input for thermal and reliability analysis and component selection.
• Present proposals and technical findings to management, customers and partners; travel within the U.S. up to 25%.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and experience; additional desirable items listed separately.

• 12+ years' experience in RF, microwave, communications or related industries.
• Extensive analog circuit design experience with op amps and discrete devices.
• Experience with power management: switching converters, regulators and load control.
• Experience with RF & microwave circuit design (amplifiers, control components, compensation).
• Design and hands-on experience with mixed-signal assemblies and surface-mount technology (PCB layout, BOM selection).
• Proficiency in time-domain simulations (SPICE) and non-linear circuit analysis.
• Experience with data acquisition: ADC/DAC, multiplexing and signal-processing chains; ability to analyze noise figure, phase noise, ADC SNR, quantization error, group delay and isolation.
• Embedded controller hardware design and basic digital logic/"glue" design.
• Familiarity with test equipment (AWG, spectrum/analyzer, mixed-signal oscilloscope) and strong bench troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to produce design documentation, test plans and verification reports; strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Relocation eligible; this position is not eligible for company visa sponsorship.

Nice-to-have:

• Experience applying HBT and GaN devices in RF circuits.
• Background in thermal analysis, environmental/reliability requirements and automated test strategies.
• Prior leadership of cross-site engineering teams and proposal development.

Education Requirements

M.S. in Electrical Engineering (MSEE) required; Ph.D. preferred. Relevant fields include Electrical/Electronic Engineering, RF/microwave engineering, wireless communications or closely related technical disciplines. No other degrees or certifications were specified.

About the Company

Company: Qorvo

Headquarters: Greensboro, NC, US

Qorvo supplies innovative semiconductor solutions that enhance connectivity and power for a variety of applications, including consumer electronics, automotive, and healthcare. With a focus on RF and power solutions, Qorvo combines technology leadership and global manufacturing to address complex challenges in fast-growing industries. Their commitment to excellence and innovation drives them to shape the future of wireless communications.